Laci Michelle Taquino was an active, 15-year-old who was known for her humble personality and desire to help others be happy. On August 12, 2006, Laci was home with her boyfriend preparing for the start of their sophomore year. Her mother, Lisa Taquino, snapped a photo of them, and an hour later Laci complained of a terrible headache that proved to be a massive intracerebral hemorrhage from an undiagnosed arteriovenous malformation. Laci was declared brain dead. Lisa remembered conversations with Laci about donation; Laci had signed up to be a donor on her learner's permit. Laci saved six people that day, and Lisa became a Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) volunteer to educate others about donation.

Laci's Story

Laci Michelle Taquino was a very active and outgoing 15-year old who was known for her humble and quiet personality who was an honor student, dancer, and cheerleader. Always smiling, she strived to help others and make those she surrounded herself with continuously happy.

On August 12, 2006, Laci and her boyfriend watched a movie at Laci's home and prepared for their athletic orientation at the start of sophomore year. "Something made me take a picture of them," said her mother, Lisa Taquino. "Little did I know this would be the last picture of my sweet daughter."

Just one hour later, Laci complained of a terrible headache that proved to be a massive intracerebral hemorrhage from an undiagnosed arteriovenus malformation (AVM). On the morning of August 14, 2006, doctors informed her family that Laci was brain dead.

Laci's parents were then approached by Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) about organ donation. "While still in shock, our first response was no," Lisa recalled. However, she suddenly remembered a conversation that she and Laci had a month prior when Laci said "Mom, the people from LOPA came to talk to us today (during driver training). I need to know what to do." Lisa told her she had time to make her decision, but Laci went to her godmother to discuss it, and she made her decision to be an organ donor.

"She wanted to be able to give to others if given the opportunity because of her loving and giving nature, Lisa said." Laci's parents decided to honor her wish. On August 14, 2006, Laci saved the lives of six people.

"Honoring Laci's wish by saying 'Yes' to organ donation is the one positive outcome from such a devastating situation," Lisa said. "Through volunteering with LOPA, I make it my mission to help educate others about organ donation and the importance of discussing it with your family. I refer to these precious times as my "Laci Days". I get to spend the day with her the only way I can, and I cherish each and every one of them."